It is a known fact that the Philippines is a devout country and claims its position as the only Christian country in Asia, with only about 86% of the country believing in Christianity. As a country with a deep-rooted trust in religion and the Almighty. , the Philippines devoutly observes Holy Week with a high degree of solemnity. To reflect on their relationship with God, many or even thousands of Filipinos make pilgrimages throughout the country, not only to find a solemn place to meditate but also to do penance. This is one of the reasons why there are express stalls advertising devoted tourism for Lenten pilgrimages and retreats. prayer and quiet contemplation.
The Regina Rosarii Institute of Contemplation in Asia (Rica) in Sitio Aguho, Tanay, Rizal, is a 13. 5-hectare place of holiness for those who need to make a holy pilgrimage, or simply a place of peace and tranquility. The domain is controlled through the Dominican Sisters of Regina Rosarii. It was founded in 2005 through Sister Mary Epifania F. Brasil, OP, in Quezon City. In 2009 it was transferred to its current location. Just a two-hour drive from Manila, Regina Rica is an ideal place of prayer and pilgrimage in the wealthy village of Tanay in Rizal.
Regina RICA’s most recognizable design is the 71-foot-tall statue of Our Lady of Regina Rica, the Blessed Virgin Mary holding the bavia Jesus. Inside there is a chapel. Rica, a Spanish word for “rich lady,” the inspiration for design drawn from Dominican culture and the confidence that Our Lady protects her young faithful through her protective mantle. The statue built in 2009 and designed by the artist-sculptor José Bárcena Jr. Currently under reconstruction, the chapel can accommodate less than a hundred people, however, at the beginning of Holy Week, it can accommodate two hundred people. Admission is free.
The height of Our Lady of Regina Rica is as symbolic as the number of angels carved under the statue in a cloud vault. There are 17 angels around him. The height of the symbol and the number of angels constitute the numbers 1 and 7, which added together would be 8. Regina Rica has candles with candles of other colors, which constitute other intentions. In addition to the statue of Our Lady of Regina Rica and the chapel, you can also visit a colombaire and a vegetarian-themed dining room.
Many worshippers and tourists stop in Regina Rica to pause and reflect in silence. The nuns of Regina Rica announce and practice prayer in silence. They also offer programs, such as Mary’s One Million, where they pray every day for the healing of their tree circle of relatives.
They say that through the daily prayers of the family circle tree, the sins of the ancestors beyond and older can be forgiven, and the blessings will pour out more the circle of relatives. Daily Masses are held in Regina Rica. It is open each and every day Tuesday.
A northern Province of Luzon known for its vast rice and sugarcane fields, Tarlac has one of the Philippines’ premier pilgrimage sites. It houses the relic of the True Cross of Christ in the Monastery of Tarlac, which is located in the most sensitive part of a mountain in one of the non-violent corners of the province.
In addition to the relic, Tarlac Monastery also features a 30-foot statue of the risen Christ, which sits on a hill overlooking the plains and slopes of Tarlac. He is the 98-foot-tall Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro. Brazil.
In addition to the monastery, Tarlac is home to numerous places of prayer, the Cathedral of San Sebastián, the parish of Our Lady of Lourdes in Hacienda Luisita and the parishes of San Miguel Arcángel, San Rafael Arcángel and San Lorenzo Ruiz. .
Pangasinan is a destination, especially for Marian or Lenten pilgrimages. Home to 3 emblematic churches, Pangasinan is an ideal position for the faithful who wish to thank and ask for the intercession of the Blessed Mother.
One of the top devout destinations for pilgrims from across the country includes manaoag’s Minor Basilica of the Rosary, which officially became a minor basilica in February 2015. It houses the ivory and silver symbol of the Matrix of the Blessed Mother dating from the sixteenth century. . Under her name, she is invoked as patroness of the sick, the destitute and the needy, making her one of the philippines’ premier pilgrimage sites.
In addition, Pangasinan is the seat of the Metropolitan Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, known as Dagupan Cathedral and episcopal see of the Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan. There the papal blessing and plenary indulgence are discharged.
Finally, Pangasinan is home to the Calasiao Church, which is one of the country’s 33 colonial churches. As the largest and oldest Baroque-style church in Pangasinan, it has been declared a “National Cultural Treasure” through the National Culture Commission. and Artes. Se are making continuous efforts to maintain the pilgrims’ destiny well in order to repair centuries-old artifacts, painted ceilings and a prized altarpiece on the altar.
On the other side of the church of Calasiao, there is also the sanctuary of the Lord Divine Treasure or “maximum divine symbol of our Lord Jesus crucified”. This shrine has been respected by the faithful who have won or seek divine blessings.
These are just a few of the major Lenten pilgrimage sites in the Philippines that are well known to pilgrimage teams and devoted tourism because of the solemnity and tranquility they offer. Whether you’re looking for pilgrimage sites for Holy Week or looking for places of your spirituality and connection with God, those pilgrimage places deserve to be at the top of your list.